SB 17 establishes a funding deposit account to cover cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees, beneficiaries, and survivors in the Registrars of Voters Employees' Retirement System. It sets specific conditions for COLAs: up to 3% of a retiree's current benefit if the system is at least 70% funded and no COLA was granted in the previous three years, with an additional up to 2% for those aged 65 or older. These adjustments are funded from the system's investment earnings and surplus funds held in the new account, which must be used to cover COLAs when available.
SB 11 modifies the funding rules for the Louisiana State Police Retirement System to ensure stable benefits for retirees, beneficiaries, and survivors. It requires automatic increases in employer contributions (capped at 2.35%) if projected contributions decrease, effective July 1, 2024. The bill mandates these adjustments to cover benefit increases without needing new legislative action each year. Funding will come from additional employer contributions as specified in the state constitution.
SB 96 creates a special "Fallen Heroes" license plate for Louisiana motor vehicles, requiring at least 1,000 applicants to activate the plate. It mandates an annual $25 fee (plus a $3.50 handling fee) for the plate, collected by the state motor vehicle department. The $25 fee is specifically directed to the Capital Area Law Enforcement Foundation to purchase bulletproof vests for Louisiana peace officers. This is a procedural bill focused on license plate design, fee collection, and fund allocation, with no other substantive policy changes.
SB 19 changes the name and design of a specialty license plate for Louisiana state retirees. The bill creates a new "State Employee Retired RSEA" plate, requiring at least 1,000 applicants before issuance. It adds a $25 fee for the plate, with all revenue annually sent directly to the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System to reduce the state's unfunded liability. This affects state retirees who choose to purchase the plate, with no changes to retirement benefits or eligibility.
SB 180 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing surviving spouses of disabled veterans to transfer their property tax exemption to a new homestead property. Specifically, if a veteran with a service-connected disability (rated 50% or higher by the VA) received an expanded property tax exemption, their surviving spouse can transfer that exemption to a new home they own and occupy - once, and limited to the value claimed on the previous home. The exemption applies to properties where the veteran’s disability rating was 50%-70% (covering $10,000 in value), 70%-100% (covering $12,000), or 100% (covering all value beyond the homestead exemption). The transfer requires verification by the property assessor and is effective January 1, 2027, pending voter approval.
HB 165 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would require Louisiana voters to approve changing the state constitution to create a new lottery game specifically dedicated to funding benefits for Louisiana resident military veterans and their families. If passed, the amendment would direct annual appropriations from the Lottery Proceeds Fund - using revenue generated exclusively from this new game - to support veterans' programs, while also limiting funds for problem-gambling services to $500,000 annually. The bill does not alter existing lottery proceeds but mandates a new dedicated funding stream for veterans through a separate lottery game. Voters will decide on this amendment in the November 2026 statewide election. This is a procedural constitutional change requiring voter approval, not an immediate policy implementation.
SB 191 amends Louisiana law to change how property seized for unpaid property taxes is handled. It allows political subdivisions (like parishes) to convert tax-sale property into a tax lien certificate for later sale and requires them to issue a formal sale document for property sold at tax sales. Buyers of such properties receive them "without warranty," meaning they get the property as-is with no guarantees about its condition or quality. The bill also establishes a three-year timeline after which lien holders can seek court enforcement of tax liens. This affects property owners with unpaid taxes, political subdivisions, and buyers at tax sales.
This bill extends the expiration date of Louisiana's Law Enforcement Recruitment Incentive Program from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2029. The program provides financial incentives to encourage individuals to join law enforcement agencies in the state. Under this legislation, any remaining funds in the program's dedicated account will be moved to the state's general fund once the program ends. The change affects law enforcement recruitment efforts and the state's budget management for this specific incentive fund.
HB 767 would create a lottery system for Louisiana residents seeking recreational alligator hunting permits. It requires a $50 nonrefundable entry fee for the lottery, with successful applicants receiving harvest tags at no additional cost (the fee may apply toward a $25 annual resident license). All revenue from lottery fees and auctions would be directed to the state Conservation Fund. This bill specifically affects Louisiana residents who wish to hunt alligators recreationally under a new permit system, pending legislative approval.
SB 340 requires tax assessors in 46 specific Louisiana parishes to provide property owners with a permanent registration form for the homestead exemption. This change eliminates the need for homeowners to reapply annually for the exemption, streamlining the process for those who qualify. The bill directly affects homeowners in the listed parishes who currently qualify for the homestead exemption under Louisiana law (R.S. 47:1703). It takes effect upon gubernatorial approval or legislative override of a veto, as specified in Section 2.
